Nico Hulkenberg defends Lewis Hamilton’s lack of pace against ‘very fast’ George Russell in 2024

Nico Hulkenberg sided with Lewis Hamilton despite the latter's loss in championship standings to George Russell.

Nico Hulkenberg defends Lewis Hamilton’s lack of pace against ‘very fast’ George Russell in 2024

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (via IMAGO), Nico Hulkenberg (in circle, via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton finished his final season with Mercedes in the 2024 season on a positive note. The Briton scored two highly coveted race wins with one being on his home soil. However, Hamilton was unable to outscore his teammate George Russell for the second time in the past three seasons. Regardless, Nico Hulkenberg defended the 40-year-old amidst his loss.

Notably, Lewis Hamilton outscored George Russell in total points over the three years since the two became teammates. However, the Briton couldn’t outscore his teammate in the final season with Mercedes. Nico Hulkenberg blamed the ‘bad timing’ for Hamilton’s performance that caused his loss. The German further noted that the 40-year-old had a ‘weak moment’ over the 2024 season.

It is just about timing, and I think he had a weak moment, to be honest.

Nico Hulkenberg told racingnews365.com

Hamilton’s woeful qualifying performances continued throughout the 2024 season despite the team working hard on improving the pace. Hulkenberg highlighted that the seven-time world champion was disappointed after a poor qualifying session. The German asserted that the 40-year-old went up against a very ‘fast and competent’ driver in Russell.

He was disappointed after a poor qualifying, and obviously I don’t know the details [from Mercedes], but he was up against George who is a very fast and complete driver already.

Nico Hulkenberg added

Lewis Hamilton ‘still going great’ despite mediocre performances at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton started a new and exciting chapter of his life racing with Ferrari from the 2025 season onwards. The Briton will now be paired up with Charles Leclerc at Maranello and form a highly formidable pair. Nico Hulkenberg sympathized with Hamilton and recalled the latter’s flashy performance at the Las Vegas GP, finishing P2 from P10. Hulkenberg claimed that the 40-year-old was still ‘going great’ in terms of performances.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, image via X/highsnobeity

We all want to challenge and beat our team-mates, but you saw in Las Vegas how good Lewis is, he came from P10, and you should never discount him. He’s still going great.

Nico Hulkenberg noted

Ferrari is preparing to welcome Hamilton with the best possible chassis for the coming season. The team’s recent upturn in performance is a highly motivating factor for the Briton’s entry. Hence, time will tell about how the deal pans out for the 40-year-old.